Agents, Dropshipping Apps and 3PLs Solve Different Problems for a Store
An app gets you selling fast, an agent takes on the supply side and a 3PL handles stock you already own. The right one depends on your orders and how much control you want.
Three Models, Side by Side
These are general differences between the three types of service, and any one provider may vary.
| Dropshipping app | Agent | 3PL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it does | Software that lists products and sends orders | People who source, check and ship for you | Stores your stock and ships it |
| Who finds the product | You pick from a catalog | You and the agent | You, before it arrives |
| Who checks quality | Often nobody on your side | The agent | Usually only if you pay for it |
| Your branding | Often limited | Agreed with the agent | Depends on what you supply |
| Your stock risk | Low | Low to medium | Higher, since you own the stock |
An App Suits a Store Still Finding Its Product
When you are trying lots of ideas and order volume is low, speed matters more than control. A catalog and a click can be enough for this stage.
The trade-off comes later, when quality, shipping and packaging start to matter.
- You are testing many products
- Your order volume is low
- You want to set up quickly
- You accept less control
An Agent Suits a Store With Products Worth Protecting
Once a product sells, the problems change. You want someone to talk to, goods checked before they ship and your name on the parcel. That is the work we do.
See how it runs on dropshipping fulfillment.
- You have products that sell
- Quality complaints are costing you
- You want your name on the parcel
- You want one team to talk to
A 3PL Suits a Brand That Already Has Its Stock
If you already buy in bulk and know exactly what you are selling, you may mostly need somewhere to store and ship it from.
In that case you handle the buying and the quality yourself, or with someone else’s help.
- You already buy in bulk
- Your products are settled
- You manage your own suppliers
- You sell at a steady pace
Many Stores Change Models as They Grow
Nothing here is permanent. A common path looks like this, though yours may differ.
- TestTry ideas with little commitment.
- Find a winnerOne product starts to sell.
- Get supportBring in help on supply and quality.
- Own the stockBuy ahead once demand is proven.
Each Model Charges in Its Own Way
Compare the full cost of one delivered order. A low headline fee can hide costs elsewhere.
| Model | Where the cost usually sits |
|---|---|
| Dropshipping app | Subscription, plus a product price with margin built in |
| Agent | Product cost, service fee and shipping |
| 3PL | Storage, pick and pack, shipping, and the stock you bought |
We Are an Agent, Not an App
You will not find a catalog or a one-click import on this site. You deal with people, and we start from the product you want to sell.
If software is what you need right now, an app is the better choice for you. If you are ready for help, read how to choose an agent.
- No product catalog to browse
- No one-click import tool
- No listing software
Not Sure Which One You Need
Tell us about your store and your orders. We will tell you honestly if we are the right fit, and send a quote if we are.